How Do You Know If You Have Headaches Severe Enough To Consult Your Physician?

Interestingly, most women with migraine suffer for 3-4 years before seeking medical attention! This is unnecessary. If you have recurrent headaches, take Dr. Donnica's Decisionnaire ™. If you have checked off more than 3 of these criteria, take this list with you when you consult your physician- sooner rather than later.

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Your headache pain is generally on one side of the head.

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The pain is pulsating or throbbing.

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The pain is worsened by routine physical activities.

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The pain is worsened by changes in physical position.

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The pain is moderate to severe in intensity.

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The pain inhibits or prohibits your usual activities.

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The pain is accompanied by nausea or vomiting.

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The pain is accompanied by sensitivity to light and sound.

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You can often feel the headache coming on.

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You get 2 or more moderate to severe headaches per week.

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Your severe headaches occur in the 2-3 days before your period.

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Your pain is so severe it requires bed rest.

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Your pain does not go away within 48 hours.

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You get a severe headache from caffeine withdrawal or eating Chinese food (sometimes high in MSG).

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Your headaches (the pain and duration) have gotten worse over time.

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You are taking over-the-counter medicines for headache daily or more than 2 days per week without relief.